Why Learn Portraiture at The Art Academy?
At the Art Academy, our portraiture courses offer you a unique opportunity to learn from practicing portrait artists, many of them eminent in the field of portraiture, including members of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters and artists whose work appears in national collections including the National Portrait Gallery. Whether you are a beginner or a more experienced artist looking to refine your portrait skills, our courses are designed to help you develop your ability to capture the human form.
Courses for All Levels and Approaches
We offer a variety of portraiture courses covering different approaches to portraiture and aimed at supporting your artistic goals. Our classes focus on both traditional and contemporary techniques, giving you the tools to create compelling, expressive portraits, capturing the likeness of your sitter in a variety of different ways.
Working from the model, our class sizes are small, ensuring you’ll get a good view point as well as tailored feedback and guidance throughout your course.
Daytime Courses
Evening Courses
Weekend Courses
Contact our short course team if you have any questions or need any help: [email protected]
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Across all disciplines, our courses are taught by experienced artists in a collaborative and inclusive environment. At the Art Academy, we believe in the value of creative education and its ability to inspire, connect and transform.
In ceramics, students have the opportunity to learn a wide range of techniques, including hand-building, glazing and wheel throwing. Working with clay is both tactile and rewarding, offering a slower, more meditative creative process. Our purpose-built studio provides a welcoming and supportive environment, where students can develop their ideas, receive constructive feedback and gain confidence in their making.
Drawing underpins all artistic practice, and our courses focus on observation, mark-making and visual understanding. From life drawing to experimental approaches, students are supported in developing both technical skill and individual expression.
Digital art courses at the Academy are designed to help you master the latest tools and techniques in the ever-evolving world of digital creativity. Taught by tutors with up to date industry experience, we aim to create a supportive and creative learning environment in our classes.
Our sculpture courses are designed to ignite creativity while teaching essential techniques for creating compelling three-dimensional work. From clay modelling to mixed media construction, students are encouraged to experiment with form, structure and material. Our tutors are practising artists with extensive knowledge of both traditional and contemporary approaches, offering insight and support throughout the process.
Our painting courses explore colour, composition and technique across a variety of media, including oil, acrylic and watercolour. Students are guided through both observational and expressive approaches, helping them to build a personal visual language while developing strong technical foundations.
Through printmaking, students can engage with a rich and versatile discipline that includes techniques such as etching, lino cut and wood cut. These courses encourage experimentation and process-led learning, allowing students to explore texture, layering and repetition while producing unique and editioned works.